Development of Simple Sequence Repeat Markers from Functional Genes and Establishment of Molecular Identity for Tree Peony

Gene-derived simple sequence repeats (genic SSRs), also known as functional markers, are generally superior to random markers because they are located in genes and therefore may affect gene expression or function. However, extremely limited genic SSRs are available for tree peony. We used the functional gene sequences available from Paeonia to develop genic SSRs. A total of 132 SSR loci were identified from 35 cDNA sequences, of which trinucleotide (58, 43.9%) and hexanucleotide repeat (37, 28.0%) were dominant. Moreover, 121 primer pairs were successfully designed and synthesized, of which 49 primer pairs (40.5%) provided efficient and reliable amplification. By screening 16 tree peony varieties, we developed eight polymorphic genic SSRs with 37 alleles, ranging from 2 to 11 for each marker. Transferability analysis indicated that 100% of the genic SSRs could be amplified in eight other Paeonia samples. Based on eight polymorphic genic SSRs and 12 polymorphic EST-SSRs developed by predecessors, the molecular identity of 190 tree peony cultivars was constructed by capillary electrophoresis. The results showed that 146 alleles and 338 genotypes were detected, with 2–13 alleles and 3–36 genotypes for each marker. All cultivars were completely identified and exhibited unique DNA identity. In addition, the identification efficiency of different primers combinations was analyzed, and 190 germplasms were identified using 6 core primers. This study provides valuable genic SSR resources for marker-assisted selection breeding of the genus Paeonia. The DNA identity of cultivars is of great significance for the protection, utilization and management of tree peony resources.